No on Prop. 36 Opinion: Don't mess with success

For several decades, a consortium consisting of law enforcement, probation, prosecutors, our courts and our legislators has been working diligently to reduce crime in our communities. The data is in, the analysis has been conducted and the results are clear: In spite of legal restraints and economic setbacks, we have made a difference.

The effort has, in fact, resulted in a significant reduction in crime throughout California. This was accomplished with a great deal of planning, effort and expense, and the outcome of improved public safety for our communities has been well worth the investment.

In 1994, California voters passed the Three Strikes law, which has, over time, proved to be an important part of the overall effort to reduce crime in our communities. Although untested at the time, Three Strikes appealed strongly to crime-weary California voters in 1994. It was a good idea then, and it is a good idea now.

Now fully evaluated, the Three Strikes law in its present form has had a positive influence on the rate of crime in our communities by extending time in prison for those inclined to repeatedly commit violent or serious crimes. As a safeguard against abuses, judges and prosecutors have the option to reduce or remove a "strike" in cases deemed ineligible or unworthy.

The presence of Proposition 36 on the ballot will cause us to consider the importance of continuing to support a law that helps protect our communities from the ravages of individuals who repeatedly victimize the community as career criminals, demonstrated time and again a complete disregard for societal standards. These individuals are proven predators and they survive only by taking from others.

Under existing law, and upon conviction, these offenders are eligible for confinement in prison for an extended period of time, which is the only means legally available to us to at least temporarily control their predatory behavior and minimize the creation of additional victims.

Supporters of Proposition 36 propose to modify the existing Three Strikes law so that it would narrowly apply to only those offenders convicted of a third serious or violent felony. Felony offenses that do not rise to the proposed new standard would not count as a third strike, resulting in convicted repeat offenders spending less time in custody. From the perspective of the majority of law enforcement, this is a really bad idea. Career criminals are a danger to the community and any law that accelerates their release from prison is not of any benefit to community safety.

For the authors of Proposition 36 and for those who may support this measure on Election Day, this proposal will land firmly in the category of "be careful of what you ask for." We should all understand that not every proposition that appears on a ballot at election time is beneficial, and that if we fail to choose wisely, the personal agenda of a few can quickly become bad law for all.

Please choose wisely on Election Day and continue to support the efforts of law enforcement by voting no on Proposition 36.